Everyone loves a bright and spotless smile – it boosts your confidence, improves social connections and above all, contributes to enhanced dental aesthetics. However, most of the time we do not maintain proper dental hygiene strategies and get our teeth stained, over time. This can also happen due to progressing age, when the enamel erodes gradually, thus exposing the underlying dentine. Some of the top causes of teeth stains are:
- Diet
- Excessive smoking and alcohol intake
- Use of particular medicines, like, antibiotics
With a professional teeth whitening treatment, it is now possible to restore that lost sparkle of your teeth easily. While everything is good until here, maintaining the results after teeth whitening is something to get concerned for. In this context, you must know that post-whitening treatment, the enamel tends to weaken and becoming porous. This makes it even easier for food stains to adhere to your teeth.
It is nearly impossible to avoid the fast-paced lifestyle, love for coffee, and frequent social outings of London. If you live there, it will be highly challenging for you to keep your teeth as white like day 1 (after getting a whitening treatment). Worry not – this blog is going to guide you with the right strategies so you can extend the longevity of your whitening results. Read on.
How to maintain a fresh smile after teeth whitening?
- Stay away from stain-causing foods and drinks
As told earlier, the teeth become more porous and prone to staining—especially in the first 48 hours, after teeth whitening treatment. Therefore, it is better to cut down on foods and beverages which are dark in colour. Some of them are as follows:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Sweetened carbonated drinks
- Juices extracted from cranberries, cherries, blueberries or grapes
- Soy sauce
- Tomato ketchup
- Spicy curries
- Vinegar
Pro Tip: If you are addicted to your ‘morning coffee’, try sipping it with a straw. Doing this minimises the contact of coffee with your freshly treated teeth.
- Follow a ‘white diet’
For the first few days post-treatment, dentists often suggest a ‘white diet’. This helps prevent new stains from forming. A white diet consists of foods that are light or whitish in colour and have low acidic values. Some of them are:
- Chicken or turkey
- Cauliflower
- Rice or pasta (without sauce toppings)
- White fish
- Bananas
- Apples (peeled ones)
- Water
- Milk
These foods help protect your teeth and reduce the chances of discolouration during the vulnerable post-whitening phase.
- Maintain a strong oral hygiene routine
Plaque build-up and food stains on the enamel can quickly undo the effects of whitening treatments. Hence, proper oral care is needed. Here’s you can do it.
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Use a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to remove surface stains (avoid daily use if it’s too abrasive)
- Floss after main meals to remove stuck food particles in between teeth (and also do not forget the gum line).
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to control bacteria growth and prevent plaque formation.
- Attend regular dental cleaning sessions and follow-ups
Professional dental cleanings after every six months (or more frequently) are highly recommended if you have recently got your teeth whitened. Dental hygienists can remove surface stains and tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot. You must also follow up with your teeth whitening dentist –he can assess the condition of your whitening results and advise regarding subsequent touch-ups.
- Use whitening touch-up kits (wherever possible)
Depending on your lifestyle and the original whitening method, touch-ups may be needed every 6 to 12 months. Most cosmetic dentists in London provide custom-made trays with professional-strength gels for home use.
Touch-ups are particularly useful if:
- You smoke or drink a lot of staining beverages
- Your original shade was significantly darker
- You want to maintain a consistently bright smile for events or work (especially relevant for professionals in client-facing roles)
- Keep yourself hydrated and rinse the mouth often
Water helps wash out stuck food remnants and potential staining chemicals from your teeth surface. Thus, it is better to drink water especially after consuming stain-causing foods. You must also rinse the mouth immediately after meals. Following these simple things can significantly reduce the impact of pigmented foods and acids (responsible for enamel degradation and staining) on your teeth.
- Use a straw for dark beverages
This small habit can make a big difference. Drinking coffee, tea, or cola through a straw limits the liquid’s contact with your teeth, significantly reducing the risk of staining. Reusable metal or silicone straws are a sustainable option and easy to carry in your bag around London for coffee on the go.
- Look out for over-whitening
While maintaining results is important, over-whitening can damage enamel and lead to sensitivity. Avoid frequent use of over-the-counter products unless approved by your dentist. If you feel like your results are fading quickly, book a consultation with your teeth whitening dentist to explore the cause rather than resorting to self-treatment.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods like citrus fruits, pickles, and soda can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining and sensitivity. Try to limit intake, and when you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth 30 minutes later to avoid scrubbing softened enamel.
- Seek professional advice
Every smile is different, and so is the teeth whitening journey. Your dentist can help create a customised maintenance plan based on your lifestyle, oral health, and whitening goals. In London, you have access to some of the UK’s best dental professionals for teeth whitening.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening treatment can be a worthy investment to improve your smile aesthetics and boost self-confidence. However, keep in mind that it is not a one-time fix. You must consistently maintain your oral hygiene and bring positive changes in your regular lifestyle.
London may be full of tempting coffees, curries, and wines—but with a little discipline and a good relationship with your dentist, your radiant smile can last through it all. For professional aftercare tips on upholding your radiant smile, reach out to your nearest teeth whitening clinic in London today.
